Previous results

In depth

Jump to:

Verdict

DARLAN may have been a bit of unlucky loser when second in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. He's fancied to gain compensation here though Prospect Wells was noted staying on strongly in fifth in the same race and Vulcanite was well in contention approaching the last and could get closer if settling better here. Agent Archie, however, looks held. The selection's stable companion Captain Conan had Prospect Wells back in fourth when winning the Tolworth Hurdle in January and has every chance on that form. But he disappointed when sent to Ireland for a Grade 1 the following month and couldn't justify favouritism at Kelso on his latest start. Nicky Henderson also saddles impressive Sandown scorer Oscara Dara but, like other recent winners Right Step and Theatre Guide, he needs to improve significantly if he's to get involved here while Absolutlyfantastic appears to have gone off the boil.